29 September,2023 01:30 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
CM Shinde poses with a Ganesh mandal/ TMC
On the auspicious day of Anant Chaturdashi, a total of 6,435 Ganesha idols were immersed in the Thane city as devotees bid an emotional farewell to the Elephant God. The city embraced the ritual with reverence and devotion. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde graced the immersion ghats with his presence, offering his appreciation to the community. The day also saw the contribution of 490 idols from devotees at various acceptance centres.
A significant highlight of this year's celebrations was the eco-friendly approach adopted by Thane Municipal Corporation. The Nirmalya donation program, organized collaboratively by TMC and Samarth Bharat Vyaspeeth for the past 12 years, received substantial support from the Rotary Club of Thane Garden City and Project Renovation members this year.
Over 10 tonnes of Nirmalya, consisting of biodegradable offerings, were collected during the immersion. This organic waste will undergo processing to create organic fertilizer, contributing to sustainable practices in the region. During the one-and-a-half-day immersion of Ganesha idols, approximately 10 tons of Nirmalya were gathered, followed by an impressive 15 tons on the fifth day. In total, an astounding 35 tons of Nirmalya were collected.
The statistics of immersion highlighted the city's enthusiasm for the eco-conscious approach to Ganesh immersion:
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- Artificial Ponds (15 sites) witnessed the immersion of 3717 Ganesha Idols.
- Immersion Ghats (07 sites) saw 2379 Ganesha Idols being immersed.
- Special Tank Arrangements (42 tanks) were used for the immersion of 339 Ganesha Idols.
- In total, 6435 Ganesha Idols found their way into the embrace of the city's waters.
CM Shinde personally visited the immersion ghats at Masunda Lake Kharigaon and Kopari in Thane East, inspecting the facilities provided for the immersion process. During his visit, he took the opportunity to interact with Ganesha devotees.
Former Mayor Naresh Mhaske, Ashok Vaiti, Additional Commissioner (1) Sandeep Malvi, Deputy Commissioner Shankar Patole, and other officials were present during the Chief Minister's visit. Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar expressed gratitude towards all Ganesha devotees for their active cooperation and support in making this year's Ganeshotsav memorable and eco-friendly.
In Thane, the devotion towards Lord Ganesh has not only remained a cultural tradition but has also evolved into a symbol of responsible environmental stewardship, as showcased by this year's successful and eco-conscious celebrations.
